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Mathworks

Integer Subtraction On The Number Line: Car Model

A Pen by Andrew
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INTEGER SUBTRACTION ON THE NUMBER LINE: CAR MODEL

  • Examine the first number you are subtracting.
    • If the first of the two numbers you are subtracting is positive, face the car rightwards, in the positive direction.
    • If the first of the two numbers is negative, face the car leftwards, in the negative direction.
  • Drive forwards, in the direction the car is facing, to the location given by the first number.
  • Examine the second number you are subtracting.
    • If the second of the two numbers you are subtracting is positive, face the car rightwards, in the positive direction.
    • If the second of the two numbers is negative, face the car leftwards, in the negative direction.
  • Drive the car backwards, opposite to the direction the car is facing, a distance equal to the absolute value of the second number.